Willow Tree Restaurant in West Branch offers up fine dining in a casual atmosphere

A couple of firsts happened to me at the Willow Tree Restaurant recently.

First, I sampled escargot, and second, I tried a dish that was absolutely perfect.

Let's start with that escargot. We've all seen these little snails in the shell, but chef and owner Tony Gojcaj serves this dish in a very different way.

"We saute them in brandy and garlic and serve it on a puff pastry," he said. "We wrap them and shape them and bake them in a bed of garlic butter and parsley sauce."

Tony has basically the same motto I have when it comes to garlic - the more the better.

While I was a bit nervous about trying this dish, my first bite erased all fears. Simply delicious.

Telling friends about this dish, they all asked the same question - weren't they rubbery. Nope. Never having tried escargot before I would still have to say they were prepared just the way they are supposed to be.

Tony was anxious for me to try other dishes he serves up to his customers, starting with a Fillet Napoleon served with Idaho and sweet potatoes. Best scalloped potatoes I've ever tasted. The steak wasn't bad either.

That was followed by Barramundi, which I have to say was one of the best meals I've ever had.

The fish is lightly dusted and pan fried in olive oil, and topped with sauteed wild mushrooms, tiger shrimp and roma tomatoes in a white wine butter cream sauce. From the first bite to the last, I couldn't find one ingredient I would change, add or subtract.

This is possibly the best fish I have ever tasted.

The last dish was the Alaskan Halibut, served with Italian risotto with saffron, topped with tiger shrimp, scallops and lobster with a brandy dill sauce.

I walked out of that restaurant one happy diner.

While Tony says these are his signature dishes, there is always something new on the menu. The crew calls them the chef's catch of day. And it isn't what they can get on sale. It's what they think the customers will enjoy.

Tony knows what customers will enjoy, having been in the food business for 29 years, and a chef for the past 18.

He has made himself at home in kitchens in New York and Detroit before purchasing the Willow Tree in West Branch in 2005.

"This is small town USA," he said. "It's a wonderful place."

Plus, he adds the restaurant's reputation has spread, bringing in people from around the state.

Prices for dinner entrees begin at $10.50.

The restaurant is also the site of wine tasting dinners. The next one, featuring Mediterranean Cuisine is scheduled for April 23. Reservations are needed.

While the place looks swanky, casual is the dress norm here, since the restaurant attracts golfers, skiers and those just driving around.

The Willow Tree Restaurant is located at 633 Court St., next door to the hospital at exit 215 in West Branch. Reservations are requested by calling (989) 345-0660.

To check out these dishes live, catch an upcoming "That Show," featuring Tony and his fabulous meals. The show airs over Charter MainStreet, cable channel 5 and at On Demand anytime.